Tag: Software

Make: Getting Started with 3D Printing, Second Edition, is a practical, informative, and inspiring book that guides readers step-by-step through understanding this new manufacturing technology. The book includes fundamental topics such as a short history of 3D printing, the best hardware and software choices, hands-on CAD tutorial exercises, and examples of how to apply 3D printing to personal life, professional work, and new business opportunities. The second edition provides updated information and features exciting new chapters on troubleshooting your CAD and 3D print models. Also included are new visual guides and a new section for businesses. For every maker, would-be-maker and professional who is interested, or is confused, or who wants to get started in 3D printing today, this book offers methodical information that can be read, digested, and put into practice immediately!

The book is written in a casual, conversational style. It is easily accessible to those who have no prior knowledge in 3D printing, yet the book’s message is solidly practical, technically accurate, and consumer-relevant. The chapters include contemporary, real-life learning exercises and insights for how to buy, use and maintain 3D printers. It also covers free 3D modeling software, as well as 3D printing services for those who don’t want to immediately invest in the purchase of a 3D printer. Particular focus is placed on free and paid resources, the various choices available in 3D printing, and tutorials and troubleshooting guides.

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact [email protected]

3D printing has long been considered a tool to quickly design and make one-off prototypes of objects. However, as the technology is becoming more accessible, more affordable and more capable, it is beginning to redefine the way the manufacturing industry is framed. The 3D printing technology has brought a revolutionary change in the manufacturing industry.

The growing market and the decrease in the price of the printers are some of the factors that are anticipated to give birth to some new competitors in the market. In addition, the innovative products that will be used as prototypes are expected to significantly reduce the price of 3D printing. Hence, it can be evidently deduced that 3D printing is going to significantly impact the upcoming future especially in regards to the way makers and manufacturers conduct their business.

The establishment of 3DP within the manufacturing industry has resulted in high revenues for the service providers, as their primary business consists of delivering ready-to-use prototypes and products as well as 3DP engineering and consulting services. The principal advantage of using external service providers is that it allows clients to use different manufacturing technologies, as well as to save on capital expenditure for machines and materials. Most of the consumer 3D printers can be purchased for $1000 or less; the cost of commercial 3D printers that offer the precision and build quality that many businesses need, can be as high as thousands of dollars.

Hence, the current trend that is trailing in the 3D printing industry is that many of the small businesses are opting for 3D printing services, wherein they upload the design they need, and get the 3D printed products constructed by a 3D printing service provider (that already has a 3D printer) at a substantially low cost. In other words, service bureaus that 3D print objects on demand provide a way for smaller companies to rapidly prototype without having to invest substantial amount up front. The global 3D printing software and services market is expected to reach $4,526.6 million by 2021, registering a CAGR of 25.2% between 2017 and 2021.

The factors driving the 3DP software and services market include high investment cost of 3D printers, strong growth in medical industry, growing demand from manufacturing sectors, ease of developing customized products, government initiatives and rising investments for research and development (R&D). However, high cost and complexity of 3DP software, lack of technical expertise, quality and functionality of 3D printed products, legal issues and environmental issues are some of the factors which are hampering the growth of 3D printing software and services market. Opportunities in the emerging economies, opportunities in emerging application verticals, development of more user friendly software and opportunity to enhance the supply chain management are expected to create growth prospects for the 3DP software and services market.

Stratasys, 3D Systems, Dassault Systemes, Autodesk, Siemens, Materialise NV, Prodways, Voxeljet, Exone, Protolabs, and PTC are few of the major industry players that have adopted this strategy to grow their business.